Sam Raimi’s producer reveals “Evil Dead 4” is actually “Army of Darkness 2”

Photo: "Army of Darkness," courtesy Universal Pictures

Raimi’s next film will be a sequel to the original series, not the upcoming remake.

On March 10, Sony Pictures announced two new movies: a sequel to the upcoming reboot “Evil Dead” and another sequel relating to the original trilogy, unofficially known as “Evil Dead 4.” Sam Raimi will be involved in both films, producing the former and directing and co-writing the latter.

Coming Soon caught up with producer Rob Tapert at SXSW this past weekend, where he announced that “Evil Dead 4” would instead be “Army of Darkness 2.” This would imply that the new film is a sequel to 1992’s “Army of Darkness,” where franchise protagonist Ash (Bruce Campbell) was accidentally transported back to the Middle Ages and battled scores of undead enemies in his quest to return to the present. Like its predecessors “The Evil Dead” and “Evil Dead II,” the film received highly positive critical reception and has attracted a large cult following.

Tapert has made it clear that the two series will not interfere with each other, as the reboot contains entirely new characters. Bruce Campbell, who will reprise his role of Ash in “Army of Darkness 2,” added that the two franchises would be able to “co-exist beautifully.”

The “Evil Dead” remake, directed by newcomer Fede Alvarez, recently premiered at SXSW in Austin, TX to very positive fan and critic reactions. It will be released nationwide on April 5, 2013. You can read our interview with the director and cast here.

What are your thoughts on these new additions to the “Evil Dead” franchises? Tell us in the comments section below or on Facebook and Twitter.